2020 a lesson in obedience, says elder
Published:Friday | January 1, 2021 | 12:16 AMJason Cross/Gleaner Writer
Obedience was the greatest lesson for the Hagley Park Road Seventh-Day Adventist Church in St Andrew and the wider Jamaica for 2020, First Elder Alpheous Bailey said at a watchnight service last night.
Adding that obedience for the common good was necessary, Bailey was among scores of church leaders and worshippers who expressed thanks to God for guiding them through the tribulations of 2020, and expressed hope for a brighter 12 months in 2021.
Up to Wednesday, Jamaica recorded 12,827 cases of COVID-19, with 302 deaths.
The church has undergone a series of restrictions, limiting the number of members who can be physically present in the congregation, but also got a larger audience via social media live streaming.
Be more active in communities
Bailey urged the church to be more active in communities, leading by example and demonstrating how persons should love and care for each other, especially during trying times.
“The lesson we learned as a church is to be obedient. That is why we are here wearing our masks and adhering to physical distancing. We must obey who we can see before we can obey God, who we cannot see,” he said.
“My hope for 2021 is to see the church more active, giving more service to the community and showing the love and care that the community needs at this time. My hope is for all of us to live as one and be mindful of the fact that we are our brothers’ and our sisters’ keepers. We should do everything to protect each other. Let us be loving, caring and learn to share, and, by God’s grace, He will carry us through to 2021,” said Bailey.
Head Deacon Donald Campbell, who suffered personal loss, is hoping the pandemic will end within the year.
“Thank God for 2020, although we had tribulations. The pandemic took the world by surprise, but, thank God, we are here today giving thanks. We empathise with those who have lost loved ones. I lost two aunts abroad because of COVID-19. We hope and trust that this thing will go away in 2021, leading into 2022. We lift our hands in praises to God,” he said.